Zimmerman, who worked out of the congresswoman’s Tucson office, was known by local interest groups for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Several photographs on the Internet show Zimmerman, who was a former social worker, smiling with his arms around local community leaders.

Among them was Pat Gould, a support group leader in the local chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation. With Zimmerman’s help, the group was able to garner Giffords’ support for legislation recognizing the disease.

Gould broke down crying when POLITICO informed her of Zimmerman’s passing.

“He was such a very nice man,” she said. “Very receptive, very attentive, very concerned. He expressed extra concern about this autoimmune disease because he had a relative who suffered with one too.”

Greene’s family says she was vibrant, excited about life, and she was the “best daughter in the world.”

Born September 11, 2001, Greene was excited about the political process, was on the student government, and went to the Giffords event Saturday to learn more about the political process, family members say.

Greene attended Mesa Verde Elementary School. She was the only girl on the Canyon Del Oro baseball team. She loved the sport, as well as horseback riding and swimming. She wanted to be a veterinarian.